A full "pink" moon is expected to dazzle Metro Vancouver skies on a clear night this weekend, although it might appear smaller than usual (but don't worry - it didn't shrink).
This month's moon will only appear smaller because it is at its farthest point away from Earth that it ever gets. When this happens, it is referred to as a "micromoon" or the opposite of a "supermoon," which occurs when it reaches its closest position to Earth and appears about seven per cent bigger, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac.
The moon will also appear smaller because it is located higher in the sky. During a supermoon, the celestial body is located closer to the horizon, creating a "moon illusion" where it looks larger.
When can I see the moon at its fullest in Metro Vancouver?
On Saturday, April 12, the moon will reach its fullest at 5:22 p.m. in Vancouver, according to timeandate.com. Coincidentally, the Metro Vancouver weather forecast shows crystal-clear skies through the day and overnight Saturday, boding well for lunar lovers hoping to view the event.
Sadly, the moon won't actually appear pink. The April moon derives its name from "heralding the appearance of the 'moss pink,' or wild ground phlox—one of the first spring flowers," describes The Old Farmer's Almanac. Native peoples would give distinctive names to each reoccurring full moon to mark the change of seasons.
The April full moon also goes by other names, including the Full Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon, and the Full Fish Moon, according to Space.com.
Pink moon is also considered the Paschal moon in 2025
April's full moon is was also known as the Paschal Full Moon because it is the first moon to occur after the spring equinox on March 21. According to Christian observers the full "paschal moon" determines when Easter is held.
"The dates of the full Moon and the March equinox that are used to calculate Easter are not the astronomical dates of these events, but rather the ecclesiastical dates," notes the Old Farmer's Almanac.
The term "paschal" is derived from the word "pascha," which is Greek or Latin for Passover.
Passover begins at sundown on Saturday; Good Friday begins the Easter long weekend for British Columbians on April 18 with Easter Sunday two days later.
Stay up-to-date with hyperlocal forecasts across 50 neighbourhoods in the Lower Mainland with V.I.A.'s Weatherhood.
